The inner lining of the ear is normally smooth with a small amount of wax buildup. Many problems can cause the ears to become irritated, inflamed, and/or infected. Any of these causes left untreated can lead to more complicated problems, such as damage to the middle and inner ear and hearing loss. Most cats let you know that their ears are uncomfortable by scratching, shaking, and/or tilting their heads.
CAUSES
Ear mites are most common in adult cats and puppies with ear problems. These microscopic mites have body hairs that irritate the ears. They are also responsible for itchiness and dark brown coffee-like residue. The mites live mainly inside the ear canal. They can also live outside the ear and on other parts of the cat’s body, they do not infest your home.
* Trauma to the ear from foreign materials such as plant seeds or overly aggressive cleaning can also cause pain and inflammation of the ears.
* Allergies to fleas can occasionally affect the ears.
*Allergic reactions to pollen, mold and dust are not common in the ears. Ear infections associated with allergies often recur until the underlying cause of the allergy is determined and treated.
SYMPTOM
* Frequent scratching of the ears.
* Shaking or tilting the head.
* Odor and/or discharge from the ears.
WHAT YOUR VETERINARY CAN DO
* Diagnosis involves examining a sample of discharge from the ear under a microscope. This is called a cytology and will identify the problem. The most effective treatment will be determined based on the presence of mites, yeasts or bacteria.
* Ear mites can also live outside the ear, on other parts of your cat’s body. Flea control products can help manage this problem.
* Instead of using ear drops to treat mite infections, you can now buy a new topical treatment called Revolution (selamectin), applied to the skin at 30-day intervals, that controls fleas, ticks, heartworms, roundworms intestinal and ear mites for cats and dogs. .
* To prevent ear problems, check your cat’s ears regularly. Only use products recommended by your veterinarian to clean your cat’s ears, and never clean deeper than you can see.
* Long-term and/or recurrent ear infections may require culture to identify the exact agent responsible and the most appropriate medication to clear the infection.
NOTE: An otoscope is designed and lighted to allow complete visualization of the ear canal.
HEMATOMA (BLOOD CLOT) OF THE EAR
* Hematomas usually occur as a result of self-inflicted trauma to the ear. Many cats vigorously pick at their ears due to a persistent underlying ear mite problem. A blood vessel in the ear flap ruptures, causing bleeding into the ear flap tissue. Treatment usually requires surgery
removal of blood clots and drainage of blood under anesthesia. Bruising tends to recur until the underlying problem is removed because cats continue to traumatize their itchy ears. Many ears are scarred with an abnormal appearance.
TREATMENT
Milbemycin is the active ingredient in Sentinel, a tablet given monthly to prevent heartworms, fleas, intestinal worms, and ear mites in cats. Selamectin is the active ingredient in Cat-Approved Revolution, a monthly product that kills ear mites and dandruff mites, and prevents heartworm and fleas. New monthly flea prevention products have replaced ear drops to treat ear mites.
COMPLEMENTARY EAR TREATMENTS
Yeast Infections: Mixing equal parts of white vinegar and water (50:50) is a good solution for cleaning ears of yeast.
Bacterial ear infections: Garlic can be added to the diet only occasionally, continuous high doses can cause anemia:
* Garlic has antibacterial and antifungal effects.
HERBAL REMEDIES
* Mullein (Verbascom thapsus)
* Mucilages or sapenins have a demilucid effect.
* Use topically for bacterial ear infections.
* Calendula is an effective solution for cleaning the ears: mix a teaspoon of calendula with ½ teaspoon of sea salt and a cup of water.
* Calendula oil is soothing for red and inflamed ears. Put two drops in the ears once a day.
* To eliminate ear mites, yellow duck (Rumex crispus) two drops every 3 days for three to six weeks.
HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES FOR THE EAR
For red, irritated ears, try Pulsatilla (6c Windflower) one lozenge every three days for two weeks. No food ten minutes before and after treatment. Sepia officinalis (30C) two whole or three crushed pellets orally twice a day for three days, then once a week, until ears heal. Useful with itching and shaking of the head.
VESTIBULAR DISEASE (MIDDLE EAR)
Long-term and/or recurring ear infections can spread to affect the middle ear. The middle ear houses nerves, called the vestibular nerves, which are responsible for balance and equilibrium. If these nerves are irritated, cats can lose their balance, tilt their heads, stagger, and often fall. This is called vestibular disease. Some cases are associated with ear infections and rarely brain tumors are responsible, but the cause in most cases is unknown or idiopathic. In these cases the term Idiopathic Vestibular Disease is used.
DIAGNOSIS
X-rays are initially used to evaluate the middle ear. The bone that houses the middle ear is called the tympanic bulla and is located inside the brain. The series of radiographs taken in this case are respectively called “Bulla Series”. A CT scan or MRI are more sensitive imaging techniques that may be necessary to allow visualization of this area of the brain if the X-rays are inconclusive.
Typically, most cases of idiopathic vestibular syndrome occur for some yet unknown reason in the spring and fall. The cats suddenly bow their heads and begin to stagger, for no apparent reason. Cats generally improve within 72 hours and symptoms usually resolve within a couple of weeks. Occasionally head tilt persists.